There
may be no better feeling: After a day of cruising, there it is, a glorious
spit of land just out of reach—and just in time. The day was wonderful,
but you’re ready for a break from the swells, sun, and wind. The
only salt you want to see for the next two hours is around the rim of
a margarita glass.

After
talking with boaters and marina operators around the country, we compiled
this list of some of the best places to find those margaritas—or
an icy-cold long-neck beer and accompanying chicken wings or smoked-fish
dip. All the restaurants, bars, and cafes on our list are casual. Some
are spit and sawdust, some could be called casually elegant. But each
boasts two key elements for a weary boater: a nearby dock and a desire
to welcome you off the water. (Note: Call ahead for docking instructions,
water levels, etc.) All prices given are the cost of one meal, excluding
drink, tax, and tip.

Our
list only skims the surface. As there are literally hundreds of places
countrywide, consider this a humble beginning. Enjoy!

Dock
at Jim’s Pier and head upstairs to Ajax Bar for the best view on
the bay. The varied menu takes time to peruse: sandwiches, pasta, seafood,
etc. Attention anglers: They’ll cook your catch—fried, broiled,
blackened, or Veracruz style.

Claim
to Fame: great frozen margaritas.

EAST
COAST

The
Clam Shack (seasonal)

Dock
Square (at Kennebunkport Bridge)

, Kennebunkport,
ME

Phone:
(207) 967-2560

Lunch
and dinner: $8

This
tiny take-out place is the most celebrated thing in Kennebunkport (apologies
to George and Barbara). Boaters can dock at Yachtsman Lodge & Marina
(check out this AAA Four Diamond lodge) and walk over.

Claim
to Fame: the best fried clams in Maine and the best lobster roll on Earth
(according to Eat Your Way Across the USA).

Casual
is a relative term here. The decor and dress code are at-ease, but the
food is superb. The menu, featuring the freshest seafood and local produce,
changes daily. Another relative term: tavern. Vineyard Haven is a dry
town, so BYOB.